12.
This, therefore, is what genus is,—the primary, original, and (to play upon the word) “general.” Of course there are the other genera: but they are “special” genera: “man” being, for example, a genus.
For “man” comprises species: by nations,—Greek, Roman, Parthian; by colours,—white, black, yellow.
The term comprises individuals also: Cato, Cicero, Lucretius.
So “man” falls into the category genus, in so far as it includes many kinds; but in so far as it is subordinate to another term, it falls into the category species.
But the genus “that which exists” is general, and has no term superior to it.
It is the first term in the classification of things, and all things are included under it.
Book: Moral Letters Vol I
Subtitle: Seneca's timeless letters of advice and wisdom.
Author: Seneca
Chapter: On being
Location: Chapter 58, Section 12
Content:
12.
This, therefore, is what genus is,—the primary, original, and (to play upon the word) “general.” Of course there are the other genera: but they are “special” genera: “man” being, for example, a genus.
For “man” comprises species: by nations,—Greek, Roman, Parthian; by colours,—white, black, yellow.
The term comprises individuals also: Cato, Cicero, Lucretius.
So “man” falls into the category genus, in so far as it includes many kinds; but in so far as it is subordinate to another term, it falls into the category species.
But the genus “that which exists” is general, and has no term superior to it.
It is the first term in the classification of things, and all things are included under it.